Celebrity "All Included" Package Guide
What's actually included in Celebrity's bundled fare — and crucially, what's not — for 2025 and beyond.
⚠️ Important 2023 Change
As of October 4, 2023, Celebrity Cruises removed daily gratuities (tips) from the "Always Included" / "All Included" package. Gratuities are now a separate, mandatory charge that must be paid on top of the package. This fundamentally changes the value calculation for many guests.
What the "All Included" Rate Covers
Celebrity's bundled fare (marketed as "All Included") includes two specific items in addition to your base cruise fare:
| Included Item | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Classic Drinks Package | A wide selection of beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, and wines by the glass. Also includes sodas, specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water. Beverage gratuities (18%) are pre-included within the drink package itself. Does not cover premium pours above the category limit (typically $9 per drink on Classic) — you pay the difference for premium spirits. |
| Basic Wi-Fi | One device, basic internet access — sufficient for web browsing, emails, WhatsApp, and social media. Not the Premium Wi-Fi (which supports HD streaming, video calls, and faster speeds). Premium Wi-Fi can be purchased as an add-on. |
What's NOT Included
- Daily Gratuities (Tips): As of October 2023, no longer part of the package. Currently charged at approximately $18–$23 per person per day for standard staterooms, and $23–$28 for suite/AquaClass guests. For a 7-night cruise for two, this adds roughly £200–300 extra.
- Specialty Restaurant Cover Charges: Fine Cut, Eden, Le Voyage, Murano, Tuscan Grille, Raw on 5, and other specialty venues all charge a cover fee (typically $35–$75 per person) on top of the All Included rate.
- Premium Wi-Fi: Streaming, video calling, and faster speeds require an upgrade from Basic Wi-Fi.
- Spa Treatments: Individual spa services are charged separately. AquaClass staterooms include unlimited thermal suite access but not treatment costs.
- Shore Excursions: Not included — booked through Celebrity's Excursions programme or independently.
- Premium Drink Upgrades: Drinks above the Classic threshold are charged at the price difference.
All Included vs Cruise-Only: Which is Better Value?
The answer depends on your drinking habits and how you prefer to manage costs:
Choose All Included if...
- ✓ You drink alcohol daily (4+ drinks per person per day)
- ✓ You want to know your drinks cost upfront
- ✓ You drink specialty coffees, juices, and water regularly
- ✓ You find it stressful to see a bar tab building up
- ✓ You plan to drink from day one (including embarkation)
Choose Cruise-Only if...
- ✓ You rarely drink alcohol or drink very lightly
- ✓ You prefer to buy drinks only when you want them
- ✓ You plan to purchase a Premium Drinks Package anyway
- ✓ You want maximum flexibility in what you spend
- ✓ You found a significant price gap between the two rates
The Gratuity Calculation
Here is a realistic cost breakdown for a 7-night cruise for 2 guests in a standard veranda stateroom with All Included:
- Classic Drinks Package value: ~$75–90 per person per day (retail) → ~$1,050–1,260 per person for 7 nights
- Basic Wi-Fi value: ~$20 per day → ~$140 for 7 nights
- Daily Gratuities (separate): ~$18–23 per person per day → ~$252–322 per person for 7 nights
- Net cost of All Included: If the bundled rate is £150–250 more per person than Cruise-Only, it is typically excellent value for regular drinkers once the drink package retail value is factored in.
Pro Tip: Watch for Celebrity's periodic sales where the All Included rate drops to near Cruise-Only pricing — essentially receiving the drink package and Wi-Fi for free. Sign up for email alerts and check regularly.